This is article 4712 of Da Yi Xiao Nursing
The cold turkey method, also known as the "abrupt withdrawal method," refers to a one-time, unprepared abstinence from tobacco. At the heart of this approach is that there is no tapering, no transition period. This immediate, decisive approach may bring short-term discomfort to quitting, but in the long run, it helps to avoid the dependence that comes with gradually reducing the amount of cigarettes smoked.
The cold turkey method does not use any drugs or other treatments, and forces smoking cessation so that withdrawal symptoms go away on their own. Because hard withdrawal does not require any medication, patients will experience withdrawal symptoms, and even goosebumps and chills all over the body, so it is also known as cold turkey therapy. This method is simple and easy, and the cold turkey method is very simple compared to some quitting methods that require complex steps and aids. You don't need to buy special smoking cessation medications, and you don't need to follow a specific diet or exercise plan. You just have to decide to stop smoking and stick to it. It's that simple!
Although the cold turkey method may cause some discomfort in the early stages of quitting, many studies have shown that this abrupt withdrawal method has a certain success rate in the long run. This is because the method eliminates the psychological dependence that can come with gradually reducing the amount of cigarettes smoked. In the process of quitting smoking, many smokers will develop a psychological dependence on tobacco, which may gradually increase in the process of gradually reducing the amount of cigarettes smoked, resulting in failure to quit smoking.
The law of abrupt withdrawal avoids this phenomenon, which is like completely cutting off the "thoughts" and thus increasing the success rate of quitting smoking. Gradual reduction of smoking tends to take a longer period of time, usually at least three months or more. And the cold turkey rule shortens this process considerably. Once you've made up your mind to quit smoking, just stick to it and not light the next cigarette. Psychologically, this approach avoids the time and patience required to gradually reduce the amount of cigarettes smoked over a long period of time. At the same time, since there is no process of tapering the amount of cigarettes over a long period of time, the abrupt withdrawal method also avoids the psychological frustration and discomfort that can occur due to the gradual reduction of the amount of cigarettes smoked.
Quitting smoking immediately can also bring many immediate health benefits. For example, respiratory symptoms caused by smoking, such as coughing and producing sputum, tend to improve immediately, while the risk of cardiovascular disease is significantly reduced. Over time, his health problems such as chronic cough and difficulty breathing will also improve significantly. Quitting smoking can significantly improve mental state. With nicotine withdrawal, you may experience some mood swings, but in the long run, you will feel more awake and energetic. This helps to improve work and life efficiency.
Another advantage of the abrupt withdrawal method is that it is less expensive, and the cold turkey method incurs almost no additional costs compared to some quitting methods that require the purchase of smoking cessation products. This is a huge advantage especially for those who are not financially well-off. In addition, people who are able to quit smoking abruptly tend to have a relatively high degree of social recognition. Socially, people who don't smoke tend to be rated higher. Quitting smoking is not only good for your health, but it also improves your social image and increases your chances of socializing. When your friends and family realize that you can resolutely quit smoking, they may be more respectful and appreciative of your decision, in the popular phrase: "give you a thumbs up from the bottom of my heart."
Finally, abrupt withdrawal from smoking is suitable for those who are ready to quit smoking. Some people may find it easier to gradually reduce the amount of cigarettes they smoke, but the abrupt withdrawal method may be more effective for those who have made up their minds to quit smoking. However, for those with severe tobacco dependence, a gradual reduction in the amount of cigarettes smoked may be more appropriate. These people may need to seek professional help to quit smoking, such as medication, psychotherapy, etc. In addition, for those who suffer from certain chronic diseases, smoking cessation treatment should also be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.
In conclusion, sudden withdrawal from smoking is suitable for people who are ready to quit smoking, who have made up their minds to quit smoking, who are relatively less dependent on tobacco, and who have no underlying medical conditions. However, for those with severe tobacco dependence or chronic diseases, the appropriate quitting method should be chosen on a case-by-case basis.
Bibliography:
1、Lindson-Hawley N, Aveyard P, Hughes JR. Reduction versus abrupt cessation in smokers who want to quit. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012; 11:CD008033
2、Lindson-Hawley N, Banting M, West R, Michie S, Shinkins B, Aveyard P. Gradual Versus Abrupt Smoking Cessation: A Randomized, Controlled Noninferiority Trial. Ann Intern Med. 2016. 164(9): 585-92.
3. Hao Ran, Zhou Jianping, Ni Lei, Li Qingyun, Shi Guochao.Comparison of the efficacy and influencing factors of rapid withdrawal method and gradual withdrawal method[J].Chinese Journal of Tuberculosis and Respiration,2017,40(12):898-902.DOI:10.3760/cma.j.issn.1001-0939.2017.12.006.
4、Man,Ping,Wang,et al. Brief Advice on Smoking Reduction Versus Abrupt Quitting for Smoking Cessation in Chinese Smokers: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial[J]. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 2017.DOI:10.1093/ntr/ntx026.
Author: Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital
Liu Hongwei is the chief physician
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